Does the lack of innovation in the M3 iMac signal the beginning of the end of Apple’s all-in-one?

I’m testing driving the revamped 24-inch iMac with an M3 processor — look for my review on Friday — but does the lack of a “wow” factor on the revamp signal the beginning of the end for Apple’s all-in-one?

I don’t think we’ll see Apple abandon the desktop that, arguably, saved its bacon when it was released in 1998. But it’s possible that there’s no long range future for the iMac.

In an article for Stuff, Craig Grannel makes a great point. Read the entire article, but here some highlights about the all-in-one, which exists today in a world of portables: People today are far more likely to own a MacBook than a desktop. If they need a larger display, they’ll connect one, rather than buy a large display and computer as a single entity. This means the iMac represents a portion of a smallish fraction of total Mac sales. It might be the world’s best-selling all-in-one, but all-in-ones are an increasingly rare breed.

… Perhaps the M3 upgrade just made sense in terms of Apple resources. Or maybe the lack of change should instill fear, inferring the iMac has no future after this revision. After all, Apple is not a sentimental company – it eradicates even the most famous brand if it no longer makes sense. That thought gives me chills.